It was a frosty morning when we started the walks and the hikes in Yosemite little did we know then we’d find eight miles, a Manhattan an a piano. Bridalveil Falls was first, and true to the warning signs, the trail was ice. We carefully made our way to the end of the path near the base of the falls, and between the mist, the snow melt and the temperature, there was no way to avoid a slide or two. Finally, a deep breath and determination set us where we had the best view. Several of us gathered some loose dirt around the pavement and threw it around creating a nice walkable scene. Still, one young mother slipped and fell right on her butt with a child in her backpack. Sad to say for mom, it was a jolt, but a smile on the child’s face showed he wanted a repeat of the joyride. Next was a trip to the visitor center to gain our bearings. We decided to hike up to Mirror Lake and beyond doing the entire Valley Loop, so we waited in a very short line to talk to a ranger about best parking places. It didn’t take long to discover this national park is packed! And even though it’s spring break, it’s not high season. I can only imagine what this place is like in July and August. I for one, will never be here during that time unless absolutely necessary. Obtaining our directions and a couple of necessities from the store, we headed out. The parking was already full – still morning – but Christine was able to slide our rental into a nice middle spot in the trailhead lot. We made our sandwiches on the hood of the car, filled my little travel backpack and off we went. Not expecting a wilderness jaunt, we made it to Mirror Lake to find the multitudes spread hither and yon where the lake was supposed to be. Mind you, there was a lake, but much smaller since the snows and the melt aren’t what they used to be, so there are vast areas of dried lake bed perfect for picnicking. We ate, sunned and gazed at the towering granite. Right below Half Dome was the real treat. We saw it as most don’t from photographs. We could see the undulating rock and eons of structural flow and changes carving what we see today. An hour’s rest and off we went to finish the loop. We lost the multitudes. In fact there were only a few others that we passed on the remainder of the Valley Loop and it was glorious. Rock falls, landslides through forests, walking through small streams, and finding some younger Sequoia’s and older redwoods were a treat. The path was much less trodden, and it made all the difference. At the end of our 8 mile excursion, when you include the long walk from the parking, we drove to the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Built in 1927, it’s the crown jewel of the Valley’s bustling business climate. We ordered Manhattans and made our way to the great lobby, pulled out the Cribbage board and sat in front of the enormous fireplace. Resting and relaxing, we had fun! Then lo and behold, a gentleman showed up in suit and tie – as compared to us in some pretty sweaty and well-worn hiking gear – and he began playing Bach on the piano. And he was fabulous. This is his job! He played more Bach, some Chopin and other more recent tunes while we relished in the experience. We sat for an hour soaking up the atmosphere the Universe had provided us. And it gets better. The drive out of the park was spectacular in the full sunny sky letting on toward evening, and at the return, we headed to our private hot tub with another cocktail and basked in the steam softening our tired bodies. Back to the cabin and the fireplace glowed while we ate our dinner and ventured off into the night. All in all, for our first ever day in Yosemite, it wasn’t all that bad.